Pritzker Signs Latest Legislative Maps into Law
Governor JB Pritzker signed the latest version of Democrat-drawn legislative maps into law Friday afternoon.
With little fanfare on a Friday afternoon, often called a “news dump,” Governor JB Pritzker signed the latest version of Democrat-drawn legislative maps into law.
Democrats, who control the entire redistricting process, pushed through new maps at the end of the May legislative session without full census data. After census data was released in August, it was found multiple districts were outside of minimum and maxim population limits, or deviation. Democrats rushed back to Springfield to pass adjusted maps at the end of August.
Democrats continue to insist the maps are fair and “reflect the diversity of the state,” even though a Mexican American group has filed suit citing a diminished influence under the new map. African American groups have also argued they would lose a majority black district under the new maps, as well.
“These legislative maps align with the landmark Voting Rights Act and will help ensure Illinois’ diversity is reflected in the halls of government,” said Pritzker in a statement Friday.
But Republicans, who have also filed suit in federal court over the constitutionality of the maps, criticized Pritzker’s decision.
"I am deeply disappointed that Governor Pritzker has turned his back on the many minority organizations that have asked him to protect their voting rights outlined in the constitution and Voting Rights Act by vetoing this gerrymandered map,” said Senate Republican Leader Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods). “The governor has now twice chosen to actively betray the people he said he was elected to protect. This choice again proves he is more concerned with protecting the political elite than the people of Illinois.”
As a candidate, Pritzker had vowed to veto any map drawn by politicians, but reversed course at the end of May.
“The Governor now joins the multitude of Democratic legislators who lied to voters by campaigning for and promising “fair maps,” said a house Republican Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs). “Once again, Governor Pritzker has proven that he governs only for the Democratic political insiders and not for the people of Illinois.”
The maps aren't set in stone yet, though. The pending lawsuit in federal court in Chicago will likely be the determining factor in the legality of the maps. The court could throw out the maps entirely and draw a new one or could force an independent commission to draw the map.
Arguments will likely take place in October or November.
